PSNI launch fresh investigation into murder of Newry woman

Detectives from the Serious Crime Branch of the PSNI investigating the murder of Caroline Graham who went missing from her home in Portadown today began a renewed search operation.

Caroline went missing in 1989

Newry woman Caroline, who went missing from her home in Portadown in April 1989, was just 19 years old when she disappeared. She was living with her boyfriend in Hanover Street at the time of her disappearance but was originally from the Newry area.

Newry Times understands she was living in the Portadown area for around two years before her disappearance.

The search operation, on waste ground in the Carleton Street area of Portadown, is designed primarily to locate Caroline’s remains but also forms an integral part of the overall investigation into the teenager’s murder.

Officers have carried out a number of searches in the area surrounding her home over the years but Caroline’s body has not yet been found.

The officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Gary Crawford, said:

“This stage of the operation will involve clearing away shrubbery and undergrowth so that we can insert probes into the ground to determine the possible existence of human remains.

“We will have a range of assets on site to assist us in what could be a protracted operation. These will include a Body Recovery dog, earth moving machinery and specialist scanning equipment.

He continued, “Our search advisors will be working with other specialists from a variety of disciplines to determine as definitively as possible whether Caroline’s remains are buried at this location.

“Police have searched this site previously but science and technology have advanced in recent years to such an extent that we believe it is important to deploy the latest technology and resources in this case. Caroline’s parents, sister and brother are being kept informed of our plans.”

Crawford added, “They have provided a previously unpublished photo of Caroline in the hope that it might prompt someone to look to their conscience and come forward with information which would bring much-needed closure for them.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have any information about Caroline’s disappearance to contact us on 0845 600 8000 or directly on 028 9070 0727 or the office mobile on 075 8522 8283. Alternatively, people can provide information without giving their details to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”